In the two eight-lappers run earlier, Stephen had finished third and fifth, his car frustratingly short of power.

He was philosophical, however. “It’s been a tough weekend, but we’re still in front of the class and we made the best of the situation – scoring points in all the races is the secret to winning the championship.”

Despite finishing fourth at the weekend, Stephen still maintains the lead in this year’s championship series, which has three more races to go.

He won the championship last year and in 2011, meaning a win this year would make him South Africa’s first Class A driver to achieve a hat-trick.

Stephen’s teammate, Tschops Sipuka (Engen Extreme Audi A4), also did well to support Stephen’s role in accumulating points towards a third SA Championship title. Sipuka finished fifth at the weekend.